19 Thanksgiving Appetizers to Start the Feast Off Right

Before the turkey steals the spotlight, there’s room for a few small bites that bring people together. These 19 Thanksgiving appetizers give guests something to enjoy while everyone warms up with stories and light teasing. They’re quick to grab and perfect for easing awkward small talk with relatives. Call it the calm before the delicious storm.

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Start the meal with something fun and sharable. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread offers a warm, gooey start to any celebration. Packed with a mix of textures, it’s perfect for gathering around and enjoying together. This appetizer brings everyone to the table and is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Make it fresh and simple to kick things off. Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites are small, balanced, and bring a refreshing bite to the table. They’re quick to enjoy and have all the flavors that pair well with seasonal gatherings. This appetizer is an easy addition that brightens up the snack lineup effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Start with something both fun and flavorful for the table. Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball delivers creamy dip with a seasonal touch. It pairs perfectly with crackers, veggies, or pretzels and also makes a striking centerpiece. You get both an appetizer and a festive conversation starter in one.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Buttery Garlic Bread

Nothing beats something buttery and sharable to begin a meal. Buttery Garlic Bread delivers warm slices that everyone can enjoy. It pairs well with soups, dips, or is great on its own as a comforting starter. Soft, fresh, and always a hit, this dish works for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic Bread

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Get ready for a creamy appetizer everyone will love. Creamy Beer Cheese Dip is great for dipping pretzels, chips, or veggies and brings a rich, bold bite to the table. It’s indulgent without being too heavy and adds variety to the lineup with its smooth texture. Ideal for guests that love snack-style dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, this one works. Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites combine fruity toppings with a warm, melty finish. Served in bite-sized portions, they’re perfect for appetizer plates or festive gatherings. They look good and taste even better, making them easy to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Kick off the holiday meal with something smooth and comforting. Creamy Pumpkin Soup brings a cozy dish to warm everyone up during fall festivities. It’s the perfect addition alongside bread or crackers and makes a good starter before the heartier courses. This one offers both tradition and simplicity in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Hand-held bites are always a favorite for gatherings. Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches are packed with all the classic sandwich fillings rolled into easy-to-grab slices. Great for sharing and made for big crowds, they’re lightweight but still feel complete as an appetizer. This one works well for keeping things casual and fun.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Go for something crispy and bite-sized to kick off the meal. Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes impress with their tiny size and satisfying crunch. Perfect for dipping sauces or enjoying plain, they pack a lot of texture into each potato. These are great for adding variety to the appetizer plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Bring in a warming dip that’s always a crowd favorite. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip delivers a smooth, rich combination perfect for pairing with chips, crackers, or bread. It’s easy to scoop and ideal for guests who want something hearty without being overwhelming. Perfect for gatherings of all sizes and always popular.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Bite-sized appetizers never go out of style for Thanksgiving. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are cheesy, crispy, and packed with hearty goodness. These are perfect for adding a little kick to your table. They’ll definitely be a crowd favorite to start your meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Loaded Potato Skins

Potato fans will love starting their meal this way. Loaded Potato Skins offer a mix of crispy and creamy textures, packed with bold toppings. These are a hit for both kids and adults alike. Just a few bites of this appetizer will set the tone for a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

For something rich in texture and earthy tones, try Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. It’s a bold option to share that pairs well with a variety of Thanksgiving sides. The dip brings a smoky depth that highlights the pita perfectly. Great for small servings filled with robust layers of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom lovers have a great treat waiting. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms are bite-sized but bring big, bold stuffing in every piece. This appetizer combines texture and heartiness while staying easy to eat. Perfect for setting the mood for the meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a potato dish at the table. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes bring both crunch and seasoning to your appetizer spread. These bite-sized options are great for sharing and pair well with other sides. A rich texture makes them stand out every time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Add something creamy to the table this Thanksgiving. Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus is a smooth option that offers rich autumn vibes. Paired with bread or veggies, this appetizer shines as a comforting starter. It’s ideal for those who want something light yet bold before the main feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Crispy bites are always a hit for appetizers. Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries bring a crunchy twist on a classic favorite. The texture makes them addictive and great for dipping into sauces or eating on their own. They’re easy to eat and add a fun element to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato fans won’t want to skip this one. Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a crisp, caramelized warm-up for your Thanksgiving meal. These are a lighter choice that pairs well with other dips and spreads on the menu. They deliver a familiar touch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Add something bold and tangy to your spread. Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip balances fruity and spicy in a way that catches eyes and keeps people talking. Served with crackers or bread, it’s the burst of flavor that brings variety to the table. This dip is a must-have twist for your holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip